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AS OUR COVER suggests, World Youth Day has been a joyful
and energising experience for our 31 local pilgrims -- despite
the heat! Communications Manager Emma Blackford travelled
to Madrid and her report and photographs appear on pages 8-9.
Emma writes of the outdoor Vigil,
"The clouds turned black and a huge storm came over the
grounds, yet the crowd was still so respectful. After it was over,
the rain allowed us to enjoy a cool night's sleep and we slept to
the sounds of those celebrating what it means to be Christian."
Remembering World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008, this seemed
to capture the spirit of the event: a happy blend of exhaustion
and exhilaration!
Anyone who knows me knows that I saw the musical Mary
Poppins in Sydney not so long ago. The anticipation was very
much part of the enjoyment, and for those of a certain age who
remember the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van
Dyke, there were happy echoes of childhood. Reflecting on the
stage show, and the fascinating story of Mary Poppins' creator,
Australian "PL Travers" (Helen Lyndon Goff), it occurred to me that
the archetypal nanny Mary Poppins could be seen as something
of a model for a life lived with a sense of a call to be, more than
do, something particular -- in her case, something extraordinary.
What's far more important than Mary Poppins' ability to tidy the
nursery ("you find the fun and snap, the job's a game!") or float
prettily over the rooftops of London, is her capacity for awakening
wonder and awe in those who need it most. While the reason for
the 'call' to the Banks family of 17 Cherry Tree Lane isn't clear,
what is very clear is that Mary is faithful to a set of principles that
bring life in its fullness to all who encounter her. The real magic
in the story is seeing beyond the 'now' to what could be. After all,
what's more magical than flying a kite with your Dad?
Dads get a run in this edition, in honour of Father's Day. I am
indebted to Brian Doyle, of Portland University, Oregon, and Steve
Britt of Kahibah, for their evocative reflections. Do read them.
Judi McLean updates us this month on the story of Jerome
Rugaruza and family, introduced in the June edition. Judi said,
"I spent a couple of hours with them and they are exceptional."
The hope now is that the three children who are still in a Burundi
refugee camp will be able to come to Newcastle soon. Readers
may like to contact Chris Bowen, Minister for Immigration and
Citizenship, and local Members of Parliament, urging that the
children's passage be expedited. Meanwhile, please turn
the page.
The riots that began in London and spread to other cities
continue to draw comment. Michael Elphick offers a very
perceptive analysis beginning on page 6.
Dementia Awareness Week falls
in September and two readers
generously offer their insights,
beginning on page 10.
Recently when visiting a school
a woman told me she was
sorry we were no longer printing
letters to the editor. I replied
that I was happy to publish
letters but receive very few, so
if you have a thought to share,
please contact me.
Contact Aurora
Next deadline
15 September 2011
AURORA enquiries should be addressed to
The Editor Tracey Edstein
Email aurora@mn.catholic.org.au
Postal PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300
Phone 4979 1288
Fax 4979 1119
Circulation 70,000
Website www.mn.catholic.org.au/
newsroom/Aurora.htm
Sales manager Fergus Black
Design Geraldine Williams
Custom Publishing
Advertising 4979 5261
Visit www.mn.catholic.org.au to view
Aurora online.
Our cover WYD pilgrims outside the
Madrid stadium where Australian pilgrims
gathered; see pages 8-9.
Table of contents
First up.........................................3
My word........................................4
Almost a family .........................5
London riots ...............................6
World Youth Day ........................8
Feature .......................................10
Seasons of life ........................12
Why read the Bible?...............12
Family Matters .........................13
People and events..................15
Turning Point ............................16
Cyberliability............................17
BodyMindSoul ..........................18
Community Noticeboard ........21
Last Word...................................22
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